Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

2026 is packed full with exciting moments to share, and events to enjoy. This summer the Utilita Bowl near Southampton will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13th –20th June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13th July - 13th September (F). 

For three weekends in June, the streets of Basingstoke town centre will be filled with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class preformances with the Basingstoke Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary - free to visit (F). Whilst in Alton Hampshire head along to the Jane Austen Regency week which runs from 19th - 28th June and includes the chance to  join Jane Austen's family at Chawton House for a Regency picnic. Look to the skies in July, as the Farnborough International Airshow returns with its public open day on the 24th July 26, offering the chance to see aircraft and flying displays, augmented reality and hands-on activities and exhibits, whilst Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today and make sure you don't miss some of Hampshire top events within your plans.

Spa Day at Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl

What's on in the Hampshire in May, June and July?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the up-coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

What's on in Hampshire today?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 160

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Magic On The Meadow

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Fareham

    Come and join us for a fantastic magic show, courtesy of Silly Scott on Friday 7th August at the Solent Hotel & Spa

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 16:00 - 17:00
  2. International Vulture Awareness Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday September 5

    10:00am-5:30pm

    The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day.
    At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, they love vultures, so every day is vulture awareness day! If you would like to celebrate these…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  3. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  4. Simply VW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.

    All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. The Custom And American Show

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.

    With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Steam to the Solent with Jim Splice and The Main Brace

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  7. Newport Main Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Newport

    Newport Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Carnival fever comes to the island's capital town, various locations around Newport.

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026
  8. A Royal Hunt: History Re-Enactment Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

    Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester's Regiment. Step back in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Southsea Thai Food and Craft Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsmouth

    A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Southsea Common is brought to you by Magic of Thailand.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  11. Simply Jaguar

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.

    All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Parrot Play & Ball Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  13. Painting party with The Paint Club at Brew Dog Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. Steamship Shieldhall Cruise with The Kings Pond Shantymen

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!

    As part of your…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  15. Biodiversity Breakfast

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday May 2

    7:00am-10:00am

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special morning to enjoy and discover the best of British nature.
    They'll begin by taking you to Reg's Wildflower Meadow to hear the enchanting sounds of the morning chorus of…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026Open 07:00 - 10:00
  16. Sam Garrett at Portsmouth Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Old Portsmouth

    Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.

    Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
  17. Wedding Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday September 11

    4:30pm-7:30pm

    Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
    Filled with wedding inspiration,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 16:30 - 19:30
  18. Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.

    Carnival route …

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026
  19. Curious About Portsmouth

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Hard, Portsmouth

    Have fun (re-)discovering Portsmouth, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out about this fascinating port. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  20. Fine Dining in Feathers Restaurant

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday May 8

    6:30pm

    Fine dining takes flight at this special evening, where the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Head Chef will be serving a sumptuous five-course meal with an exclusive wine-paring menu provided by Elegant Wines!
    Join the Trust for an…

    Dates

    From:
    8 May 2026Open 18:30 -